Hi, my name is Dakota and I am a 23 year old Master of Teaching student at the University of Toronto

Nanny
in Toronto

Hi, my name is Dakota and I am a 23 year old Master of Teaching student at the University of Toronto. For my masters thesis I am looking at how teachers use the arts (dance, drama, visual art, music) to teach mathematics to students. This project was developed out of my love for the arts and involvement in music beginning in early elementary school. As a part of the program I have completed two practicum placements where I taught both grade 3 and 6.
I completed my undergraduate degree at Queens University with a major in Sociology and minor in History. Both my degrees have allowed me to take a number of courses that address child development and understanding various behaviour patterns in children.
I began working with children at an early age babysitting 2-3 children at a time. I eventually began working for the York Region District School Board in various capacities and with children ranging from grades 1-8. All of these experiences have allowed me to realize that all children require direct and specific opportunities that are related to their interests and skills. My passion lies in creating an environment where children will thrive in a happy and safe environment both in the classroom and at home.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Full-Time Tutor in the Classroom - up to 30 students
Provided one-on-one support for students with learning exceptionalities
Assisted with student integration into the classroom allowing students to become a member of their learning community
Facilitated small group reinforcement in Mathematics and English for students in grade 6
Promoted the implementation of technology in the classroom allowing students to have a sense of agency the ways they represent their knowledge
Assisted the teacher with conducting junior division band classes
Tutor - 2 children
Private In-Home Tutoring
Provided one-on-one support in Math and English for students in grade 4 and 6
Created programs to reinforce the students knowledge base and skills learned in the classroom creating a sense of autonomy and self-confidence
Assisted students in developing tools to effectively complete school related work while creating a positive work environment
Full-Time Tutor in the Classroom - up to 30 students
Created and presented media literacy units for students in grade 7
o Presented students with the tools to create successful anti-bullying movie trailers using IMovie
o By encouraging student responsibility and autonomy when creating the trailers, students were able to showcase their understanding of the importance of anti-bullying strategies
Assisted students in the intermediate Student Support Centre (SSC) classroom with the planning, creation and editing of a Speak Up video
o Video showcased the voices and perspectives of students with learning exceptionalities encouraging student self-confidence
Facilitated small group reinforcement in science for grade 3 students
Full-Time Summer Institute Senior Instructor - up to 25 students
Facilitated full day classroom events, for 20-30 students in grades 2 and 3, focusing on the development of literacy skills
Created and implemented daily lesson plans while adapting lessons for students with varying degrees of ability
Communicated classroom norms to students developing a respectful environment that fostered curiosity and enthusiasm while promoting social skills, self-esteem and confidence
Full-Time Tutor in the Classroom - up to 30 students
Created and implemented the schools first peer mediation program designed to teach students in grades 6 and 7 the tools to mediate conflicts in their interpersonal relationships
o The program resulted in a decreased need for conflict resolution by teachers and administration
o Led to the formation of a network of peer relations ultimately decreasing school bullying by promoting the school as a community
Facilitated small reinforcement groups for students encouraging student confidence, autonomy and responsibility within the classroom
Assisted with EQAO preparation and reinforcement for students in grade 3
Full-Time Summer School Teaching Assistant - up to 30 students
Assisted as an in-class tutor for 20-25 grade 7 and 8 students in an intensive 3-week program that focused on literacy and mathematics reinforcement
Evaluated students reading abilities and recorded marks based on criteria such as accuracy and flow, tracking the remarkable improvements in students literacy and mathematics skills
Acted as the group facilitator during reading exercises on a daily basis one group of five students